Flower Stealing Master

(G: another 3x long chapter.)

Dongfang Muxue averted her gaze uncomfortably. “What do you want to bet on?”

“‘The moonlit night at the twenty-four bridges…’” Song Qingshu stopped mid-sentence, confident that Dongfang Muxue understood the implication behind his words.

A faint blush appeared on Dongfang Muxue’s face, and she hesitated visibly.

“What? Are you afraid to bet?” Song Qingshu deliberately provoked her.

“Fine, let’s bet!” Dongfang Muxue bit her lip and glared at him fiercely. “But what if you lose? What will you do then?”

“I’ll trade places with you,” Song Qingshu replied, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

“Shameless!” Dongfang Muxue spat, glaring at him. “In that case, I won’t bet. Either way, I’m the one who ends up at a disadvantage.” She turned to leave immediately.

“Then what do you want to bet on?” Song Qingshu quickly grabbed her arm to stop her.

A sly glint flashed in Dongfang Muxue’s eyes. “If you lose, then on the night of your wedding with Ren Yingying, I’ll take your place.”

Song Qingshu froze for a moment before reacting. “Wait, wait, wait—you’re a w0man!”

“So what? Can’t a w0man have a wedding night with another w0man?” Dongfang Muxue huffed. “I’ve raised that little girl, Ren Yingying, for over ten years. Watching her grow more stunning by the day, only for Ren Woxing and Zhang Wuji to ruin everything, and now you swoop in and claim her! It drives me mad. If I can’t have her, I’ll never be at peace.”

Realization dawned on Song Qingshu. No wonder Dongfang Muxue reacted so strongly when she learned of his engagement to Ren Yingying. He had assumed she was jealous—turns out, she really was jealous, just not of Ren Yingying, but of him!

“Absolutely not,” Song Qingshu said with a tinge of bitterness. “I’m not letting you touch my w0man.”

“Oh, don’t be so petty. I’m a w0man too; it’s not like you’d really lose anything.” Dongfang Muxue’s voice softened as she tried to persuade him.

Song Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat. He had never seen Dongfang Muxue this humble before. It was oddly satisfying, though her peculiar interests left him at a loss.

Seeing that Song Qingshu remained unmoved, Dongfang Muxue bit her lip lightly and whispered into his ear, “How about I trade my chastity for hers?”

Song Qingshu’s heart raced. Worried that he might agree on impulse, he quickly said, “This is way too indecent. I need some time to cool down.” With that, he fled as if escaping.

Watching his retreating figure, Dongfang Muxue stomped her foot in frustration, “Coward!”

Later, as they schemed about Princess Roujia, an act that was sure to tarnish the imperial reputation, Song Qingshu and Dongfang Muxue dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids to avoid interference. They headed straight to the secluded palace where Consort Tong resided.

Standing outside the residence, Song Qingshu suddenly realized something. He turned to Dongfang Muxue with an annoyed expression. “I almost fell for your trick. Your chastity already belongs to me. Why would I need to bet for it?”

“Who says so?” Dongfang Muxue raised her chin, her fair skin glowing radiantly under the sunlight. “I can give it to whoever I want.”

“Don’t you dare!” Song Qingshu’s anger flared instantly.

“And what if I do? You know my temper. If you upset me, I won’t guarantee what I might do.” Dongfang Muxue remained unfazed, smiling as she added, “If you don’t give me Ren Yingying’s chastity, I’ll seduce Linghu Chong and make you two lovebirds furious.”

“Fine, you win,” Song Qingshu said, feeling a headache coming on. “I won’t let you defile her on our wedding night, but after that, you can try your best to win her over.”

“Hmph, stingy.” Dongfang Muxue knew her initial demand was unrealistic, so she grudgingly conceded. After hesitating for a while, she muttered, “Then I want to be there on your wedding night.”

Song Qingshu hesitated. “That’s not entirely impossible…” Seeing the excitement on Dongfang Muxue’s face, he frowned. “Why are you so happy? Don’t forget, we don’t know who’ll win this bet yet.”

“You’ll definitely lose,” Dongfang Muxue said confidently.

“Oh, really?” Song Qingshu retorted skeptically.

“You don’t believe me?” Dongfang Muxue’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “Sneaking into Consort Tong’s bed is no big deal. Making her sneak into yours—that’s real skill.”

Song Qingshu frowned. With his martial arts prowess and charm, it would be easy for him to approach Consort Tong directly. But persuading her to approach Dongfang Muxue? That was a different challenge altogether.

“Follow me,” Dongfang Muxue said with an enigmatic smile, dragging him toward Consort Tong’s chamber. Along the way, she discreetly donned a mask resembling Kangxi.

“Your Majesty!” Consort Tong had received advance notice of the emperor’s visit. Following the instructions, she dismissed her attendants and waited eagerly in her chamber.

“Rise,” Dongfang Muxue said indifferently.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The young Consort Tong smiled and raised her head, but when she saw Song Qingshu standing beside “Kangxi,” her expression changed drastically. “You… you…”

How could she not recognize the most wanted rebel of the Qing Empire? When Song Qingshu served in the Forbidden City, they often crossed paths. At that time, she thought this guard had an extraordinary demeanor, but she didn’t take it to heart. After all, their statuses were worlds apart. She was a noble imperial consort, while he was, at best, a servant.

Recently, however, Song Qingshu’s reputation had shaken the court and country. Even the secluded Consort Tong had heard of his incredible exploits. Looking at the dignified man before her and recalling the respectful young guard who once saluted her in the palace, she felt momentarily disoriented.

“No need to be alarmed, my beloved consort. He is one of us,” Dongfang Muxue said plainly.

“One of us?” Consort Tong felt dizzy. The rebel who recently shattered the imperial army of a hundred thousand in Shandong and threw the court into chaos was being called an ally by the Emperor.

Song Qingshu, standing to the side, also looked perplexed. He hadn’t expected Dongfang Muxue to bring him here to meet Consort Tong so openly. How would they handle the aftermath?

“The specifics are classified court matters. There’s no need to probe further. If I say he is one of us, then he is,” Dongfang Muxue declared decisively, much to Song Qingshu’s surprise. There was no explanation, just a firm assertion.

The approach worked remarkably well. Perhaps due to her long years in the palace, Consort Tong understood that knowing too much often led to trouble. Since the Emperor said so, she didn’t question further. “I understand, Your Majesty,” she replied.

Dongfang Muxue nodded with feigned solemnity. “Go greet Young Master Song.”

Consort Tong was shocked. Earlier, she assumed Song Qingshu was a spy or undercover agent sent by Kangxi. But the Emperor’s tone suggested he regarded Song Qingshu as an equal.

“Greetings, Young Master Song!” Consort Tong smiled gracefully and curtsied slightly toward Song Qingshu. A clever w0man, she knew not to assert her rank when the Emperor clearly valued this man.

“Song Qingshu greets Consort Tong.” As Consort Tong curtsied, her fragrance filled the air. Song Qingshu instinctively reached out to help her up.

Consort Tong’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly retracted her hands. Seeing that Kangxi showed no signs of displeasure, she relaxed. Yet inwardly, she was annoyed, ‘How dare he be so bold and disrespectful!’

Accustomed to physical closeness with Consort Tong in his guise as Kangxi, Song Qingshu had acted reflexively. Noticing her reaction, he smiled wryly at his blunder.

“What are you planning?” Song Qingshu transmitted his voice to Dongfang Muxue using inner energy. This situation seemed excessive. Appearing in the imperial consort’s chambers was risky enough, and the aftermath would surely cause headaches for both of them. He knew Dongfang Muxue wasn’t reckless, so it couldn’t simply be a whimsical gamble.

Dongfang Muxue’s lips curled into a faint smile as she replied via the same method, “To fully control the Forbidden City, we cannot rely on just the two of us. We need allies, and Consort Tong is currently the most suitable candidate.”

“Are you insane? The Tong family is one of the Eight Great Families of the Qing. If she learns the truth, how could she possibly help us?” Song Qingshu frowned. He had considered recruiting confidants but thought only of low-ranking palace maids or eunuchs. Anyone with higher status in the palace was tied to the interests of the Manchu nobility.

“I’m not foolish enough to reveal the truth all at once. We’ll take it slow. By the time she realizes, she’ll already be tied to us. She won’t have a choice but to help,” Dongfang Muxue replied confidently.

“And how do you plan to do that?” Song Qingshu’s eyes were filled with curiosity.

“Just wait and see,” Dongfang Muxue’s smile deepened.

The two, communicating silently, stood like statues. The room fell into an eerie silence. Consort Tong stood to the side, feeling inexplicably nervous. However, the palace had its rules. She dared not interrupt the Emperor’s contemplation.

Just as her anxiety peaked, the Emperor finally spoke. “Beloved consort, I brought Young Master Song here today because there is an important matter I wish to discuss with you.”

Consort Tong’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help feeling a surge of joy. This matter must be highly confidential. Among all the consorts in the palace, the Emperor had sought her out specifically. Did this not prove she was the most favored?

“Your Majesty, what is it?”

Dongfang Muxue gazed at her intently. “This matter requires your assistance and is extremely challenging.”

Consort Tong immediately knelt. “As long as I can ease Your Majesty’s burdens, no matter how difficult, I will not frown upon it.”

“Is that so?” Dongfang Muxue’s gaze was laced with meaning. “Don’t be so quick to agree. This matter is of grave importance. Once you know, there will be no turning back.”

Consort Tong hesitated. The Emperor’s solemn tone indicated it was a matter of immense significance. Sometimes, knowing too much was not a blessing.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she nodded resolutely. “I am willing to do anything for Your Majesty, even if it means no chance of turning back.”

Consort Tong understood that refusal would disappoint Kangxi. Losing imperial favor would mean the end of her once-glorious life in the palace.

“As expected of my most cherished consort,” Dongfang Muxue laughed heartily, but her expression quickly turned somber. “Consort Tong, surely you’ve noticed that no child has been born in the harem all these years.”

Consort Tong hastily comforted him. “Your Majesty, you’re often preoccupied with state affairs. Moreover, the sisters in the palace haven’t served you for long. It’s normal for there to be no children yet. You’re in your prime, and I’m certain a sister will soon bear your heir.”

Kangxi was not yet twenty and had been married for only a few years. At his age, it was indeed normal to have no offspring.

Consort Tong suddenly blushed, realizing the Emperor might be hinting that he hoped she would bear him a child soon. This thought filled her with excitement.

“There won’t be any,” Dongfang Muxue sighed heavily, her face showing a mix of helplessness and fury.

Song Qingshu, standing nearby, was stunned, ‘Every w0man I know could win an Oscar for their acting skills!’

“Why?” Consort Tong’s expression changed.

“Surely you’re aware that Prince Bao, Hongli, has always coveted my throne,” Dongfang Muxue said, casting her a meaningful glance.

“I am.” Consort Tong’s face paled as she realized she might have overheard something she shouldn’t have.

The emperor, Dongfang Muxue gritted her teeth as she spoke, “Hongli, that treacherous rebel, has always plotted to seize my throne. He tried to harm me multiple times. While most of his schemes failed, one unfortunately succeeded.” She clenched her fists, her voice filled with anger. “I was poisoned by a rare and insidious toxin. Though it won’t threaten my life, it has rendered me incapable of having heirs for the rest of my life.”

“What?” Consort Tong covered her mouth with her hand, unable to suppress a gasp.

Dongfang Muxue glanced at her and continued, “You must have heard about Hongli’s sudden death, right? That was merely an explanation for the public. In truth, it was by my hand.”

One shocking revelation followed another, leaving Consort Tong in a state of numb disbelief.

Dongfang Muxue pressed on, “Unfortunately, Hongli’s influence was immense. To prevent internal chaos within our Qing Dynasty, I had no choice but to declare his death as caused by illness. I even retained his noble title and refrained from taking action against his sons.”

“But that leads to a monumental problem. If I remain without heirs, the next crown prince must be chosen from among the clansmen. Hongli’s lineage holds the highest priority for succession. The future heir will undoubtedly come from his sons. Hmph! How could I let my empire fall into the hands of his descendants? That treacherous rebel is probably laughing in his grave!”

Consort Tong’s face turned pale as her body trembled slightly, as if she might collapse at any moment. “Your Majesty, the palace is filled with imperial physicians, and the world is not short of miraculous doctors. Perhaps the poison can be cured…” 

Dongfang Muxue abruptly turned to glare at her. “Do you think I haven’t tried?”

Consort Tong’s heart trembled. She immediately knelt on the ground and pleaded, “This concubine spoke without thinking. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me.”

Seeing Kangxi silent all this time, Consort Tong suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “Your Majesty mentioned earlier that I could help. May I ask how I might assist Your Majesty?”

“Give me a son,” Dongfang Muxue said, her eyes reddened, staring at her intently.

“To bear an imperial son for Your Majesty is naturally this concubine’s greatest wish. However…” Consort Tong cast a hesitant glance at Dongfang Muxue, unable to voice the rest of her thoughts.

“I naturally have a way for you to bear a son. The question is, are you willing?” Dongfang Muxue’s gaze pierced through her.

“I… I am willing!” Consort Tong nodded hastily, understanding that even as the emperor’s favorite consort, refusal was not an option. Yet, she remained puzzled. If the emperor was infertile, how could she bear his child?

A sudden thought struck her, and she turned abruptly to look at Song Qingshu, who had been silently standing to the side. Why would the emperor disclose such a secret in his presence? Could it be…?

“It seems you’ve figured it out.” Dongfang Muxue sighed. “From now on, Young Master Song may freely enter and leave your chambers. Treat him as you would me, and serve him well until you conceive. Do you understand?”

“This is impossible!” Consort Tong screamed, her face filled with disbelief as she looked at Dongfang Muxue. “This concubine belongs to Your Majesty in life and in death. How could I allow another man to t0uch me?”

Dongfang Muxue cast a peculiar glance at Song Qingshu, thinking to herself about how many times this had already happened. But such words couldn’t be spoken aloud. Clearing her throat, she continued, “Do you intend to defy an imperial decree?”

“This concubine wouldn’t dare.” Consort Tong felt her mind buzzing, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the day’s events and the emperor’s outrageous request.

“I know this is difficult, but I have no other choice.” Dongfang Muxue softened her tone. “Rest assured, I will not neglect you because of this. You will remain my most beloved consort. I swear that once you bear a son, I will make him the crown prince. You will become empress and, in the future, the empress dowager. Your son will inherit my empire.”

“I… I…” Consort Tong could no longer think clearly. Amid the murkiness of her mind, the words “crown prince,” “empress,” and “empress dowager” rang loud and clear, tempting her. However, her upbringing made her resist. As a noble consort, she could not imagine sullying her honor with a lowly Han man.

“Are you unwilling?” Dongfang Muxue’s sudden cold snort struck her like a heavy blow to the chest.

Consort Tong snapped out of her daze, realizing that she had no other choice. After hearing so many secrets, refusal could only mean death.

“This concubine… is willing.” She bit her lip so hard it nearly bled.

Dongfang Muxue glanced at Song Qingshu and sent a secret transmission. “I didn’t expect her to be so virtuous. I wonder what her reaction will be when she learns she has already been with us countless times?”

Song Qingshu raised an eyebrow and quickly replied, “Don’t cause trouble!”

“Relax.” Dongfang Muxue smiled faintly before helping Consort Tong up. “My beloved consort, Young Master Song is someone I trust implicitly. He cannot stay by your side constantly, but every time he visits, you must serve him well and strive to conceive as soon as possible. Do you understand?”

“This concubine… understands.” Tears streamed down Consort Tong’s cheeks as she lowered her head.

“There’s no need to be overly anxious. Treat Young Master Song as if he were me.” Dongfang Muxue took her hand and placed it in Song Qingshu’s. “Spend some time getting to know each other today.”

“Yes,” Consort Tong replied, her voice filled with despair.

“I have matters to attend to and won’t disturb you further.” Dongfang Muxue began walking out, pausing to give Song Qingshu a peculiar look. “Consort Tong is frail; be gentle with her.”

Song Qingshu could only smile wryly and respond respectfully, “As you command.”

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Check out my other projects:

Dual Cultivation with a Fox Demon,

Ask the Mirror (recommended),

Immortal Divine Tribulation,

The Way of Restraint (recommended)